Welcome to my blog! As a writer I look for inspiration in the world around me: news stories, major and minor events, even a cat crossing a road can inspire something. This is my place to share some of those things with you. I hope you enjoy them.
A library of my short stories is available to read on my website, www.quirkytales.co.uk.
For a quick link to the website click the QT banner.

Quirky Tales Banner

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

This morning I have undertaken a deep and probing psychological study. This startling news is only trumped by the results: I'm a schizophrenic with blood pressure issues, as well as being an arrogant, introverted, confident, shy, people-orientated, withdrawn, well-adjusted, spontaneous, creative, skeptical, self-critical, imaginative procrastinator.
Gosh, that's quite a load to carry, it's as well I'm sitting down. Of course, it's just possible that the deep and probing psychological study is somewhat flawed, coming as it does from an article on the Mail's website. The article investigates the ancient art of graphology (the analysis of a person's psyche from their handwriting) and invites the reader to use their easy to follow guide to assess themselves.
I can't say I'm a believer. Depending upon the day, the situation, and how contrary I'm feeling, my writing can slope either to the right or the left, it can be joined up or separate, sometimes small enough to fit a paragraph on one line, sometimes large enough for one sentence to fill half a page. That's not to mention that I can write with both hands, though sadly not at the same time - that really would fuse the synapses of the graphologists wouldn't it!
Nor does it take account of the part early teaching plays. I was drilled in handwriting by a teacher whose own hand was little short of copperplate and who expected nothing less from us on pain of losing our 'pen license'. Such was the shame of being demoted to pencil that strict adherence of his many rules (size, slope, loop diameter and curvature, precise method of joining, etc.) was our overriding concern. Which perhaps explains why my knowledge of rudimentary history is so feeble - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Still, it's interesting to see what the experts can draw information from. I always drink my coffee with the picture on my mug facing me, and I like all the dual function light switches in my home to be in sequence. Make of that what you will. Goodness, is that a man in a white coat I see coming to the door?

Thursday, 25 July 2013

There are a few curious news stories out there today. The first made my blood boil, but is such an important issue that I feel it should get a shout on this blog. This is the story of the army sergeant who will be made redundant just three days before he qualifies for his full army pension. If this were a lone case I might dismiss it as unfortunate, but it's cropping up again and again. There are so many service personnel facing similar situations that it seems clear this a ploy by the government and the MOD to cut the cost of giving the nation's heroes a proper pension. So, if you see an MP down the pub or, more likely, on the sun-drenched beaches of the Bahamas, bend their ear about it. Please. Those who risk their lives to keep us safe deserve infinitely better treatment.
Moving on, I was touched by the photographs of former US president George H W Bush who shaved his head as a show of support for the young son of one his security detail. The little boy is battling leukaemia, a disease that has also touched the Bush family. The ex-president decided to shave his head after seeing that various members of his security detail had done so. Best wishes to little Patrick for a speedy return to full health.
And finally, I have important health and safety advice for anybody stepping outside in the current stormy weather: wear your husband's leaky old wellington boots. Actually, I'm not sure the fact that they were old and leaking is significant and in all probability ownership is not important, but it adds colour to the tale. This is the story of the lady who was struck by lightening whilst holding a brolly, who survived with little more than pins and needles thanks to the fact that she was wearing rubber wellies.(P.S. It's also worth bearing in mind that holding a brolly during a thunderstorm could be hazardous to your ongoing good health, whether or not your footwear of choice has a rubber sole.)

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Woohoo! I've finally found something worth sharing on the blog! Excuse me a moment while I skip around the room, waving my arms in the air in celebration - there, that's an image that's going to stick with you!
This comes courtesy of the good people on the forums of moneysavingexpert.com, namely 'Tom' or 'TBeckett100'. He shared with the forum his letter (email) of complaint to Tesco concerning their Cherry Bakewells. The ensuing correspondence is well worth a read as he and 'Tracey' of Tesco proceeded to discuss all manner of modern life issues, not just the matter of the bad alignment of the cherries on Tom's tarts.
I'm almost tempted to nip to Tesco for a packet of their Bakewells, just to check the positioning of the cherries.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

I've been spending a fair amount of time recently on creative pursuits. It's another birthday season in our family, so I've had plenty of cards to make. I used to make complicated designs using tiny cuts of paper, but found the struggles with tweezers and glue was damaging my eyes, not to mention my temper.
But having seen the beautiful work of Anastassia Elias, I'm almost ready to dig my scalpel and tweezers out again. Looking through her gallery I find it impossible to choose a favourite piece, or even a favourite theme, they're all so wonderful. Her gallery also illustrates the important maxim: lighting is everything.
So, I'd better start collecting loo roll holders. I should probably invest in a new pair of specs as well!

Friday, 5 July 2013

I may have suggested in a recent post that I was overlooking animal stories in the news because we've seen it all before. I've changed my mind. The Mail has some wonderful pictures of the horses and soldiers of the Household Cavalry enjoying some play time on Holkham Beach that override any concerns I have over repetitiveness.
I never took up horse-riding as a child. They always seemed a little to large for my liking and, as the wise one points out, have big teeth one end and big feet the other. Seeing those pictures, I'm tempted to learn now - splashing around in the sea, apart from the one that got unceremoniously tipped off, looks fun.

Wednesday, 3 July 2013

There's another destination to add to my 'must-see' list. It's another model railway, yes I know, I'm in danger of becoming obsessed with them, but take a look at the photographs on the Mail today and you'll perhaps see why.Northlandz is the life's work of its creator Bruce Williams Zaccagnino, and features over eight miles of track, about 500,000 lichen trees (who counted them?), about 3000 buildings and a 30ft mountain. I've got enough housekeeping leftover for the admission, all I need now is the air fare!